Game Recap: Devils vs. Coyotes

Tonight, the Devils faced the Coyotes. In a low-scoring, defensive heavy affair, the Devils won 2-1. Taylor Hall, before the game, was scratched again.

This is a sign that the Devils are bound to trade Hall soon. Whether it be 24 hours from now or days from now, it is likely that Hall has played his last game. In fact, the Coyotes are the team most likely to acquire Hall.

The Devils, facing a potential Taylor Hall future team, got off to a fast start. Michael McLeod let off a shot off a rebound, which Jesper Boqvist redirected into the net.

After the Devils’ fast start, the Coyotes started fighting back. PK Subban took a tripping penalty, and the Coyotes immediately capitalized. On the power play, Alex Goligoski scored on the power play, with a shot on the slot. Too much space was given to Goligoski, leading to the opportunity.

Michael McLeod had another close opportunity, but the Coyotes overall outplayed the Devils.

The second period was quiet, with no goals scored. Again, the Coyotes dominated the run of play. However, MacKenzie Blackwood and the Devils were able to keep the score even.

The third period, yet again, was Coyote dominated to start. However, by some miracle, the Devils were able to get the game leading goal, with a goal from Kyle Palmieri. The Devils were able to hold, with a win over Taylor Hall’s future team 2-1

The Game Stats: The NHL.com Game Summary | The NHL.com Event Summary | The NHL.com Play-by-Play | The NHL.com Shot Summary | The Natural Stat Trick

Effective Devils: By Corsi stats, Blake Coleman, Kyle Palmieri, and Mirco Mueller (!!) were the only players above 50, with Mueller leading with a 55.88. Andy Greene, Damon Severson, Will Butcher, Sami Vatanen and PK Subban were all dominated on the ice, meaning the Devils were outplayed most of the time.

Overall, Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves on 27 shots, holding the Devils to a win.

The Game Highlights: Will be updated as it comes out.

The Opposition Opinion: Can be found here

What Really Matters: The Devils will likely trade Taylor Hall soon, to the Coyotes. All we Devils fans can hope for is a great return, likely to help the Devils for years to come.

I personally pray the Devils can receive a high prospect, a first round pick, and a young NHL player. Anything short of this is lacking for the Devils, in an overall weak season.

Congratulations: Michael McLeod had his first two points of the season, and overall played a fast game. Sooner or later, his first goal should come.

Congratulations to Alain Nasreddine for his first career win as a head coach. Hopefully, this is the first of many to come.

Powerplay Woes: On the downside, the Devils still could not score on the powerplay. Something needs to change, given the general ineffectiveness in the season as a whole. Again, the Devils also let a goal on the penalty kill.

Overall, special teams have killed the Devils on the season. Alain Nasreddine, the former specialty teams coach, has done NOTHING to help this. Scheme changes, and player roles need to be clearly redefined, in order for effectiveness to occur.

Your Thoughts: A game where the Devils deserved to lose, but ultimately won. Let me know how you guys feel in the comments below. What do you expect Taylor Hall to be traded for? Let me know in the comments below, and take care!